The Hot d'Or was noted for the lavish parties that accompanied it,[6] particularly those held by Private Media Group on board a yacht in Cannes marina.[5] The event attracted many performers, paparazzi, directors, and producers and distributors who would make deals buying and selling films.[5] The event would often court publicity by having porn stars pose naked on the public beach.[6] Consequently, it attracted attention from international media who were in town for the mainstream festival.[5]

Hot d'Ors presence was not particularly welcomed by the Cannes Film Festival or Cannes city officials.[6] In 1998 (when the awards were again held in Cannes),[2] Steve Vlottes of Wicked Pictures said the awards were: "the most important show that we attend".[3]